When rockets go wrong – protecting the environment from catastrophe

Space launches are becoming more frequent, and the rockets are getting larger. But what happens to the environment when things go wrong? On April 20, 2023, SpaceX's Starship took off from Texas. It was the world's most powerful rocket. People cheered as it ascended into the sky. However, after nearly four minutes, the rocket exploded and fell into the sea. SpaceX referred to it as a 'rapid unscheduled disassembly. ' Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, described it as 'exciting. ' The mission was deemed a success. The rocket is pushing the boundaries of technology. But after the launch, engineers discovered that the launch had also destroyed the launchpad. SpaceX's launch site is located in Boca Chica, Texas. The area is surrounded by state parks and wildlife refuges. When the rocket launched, it created a cloud of dust and smoke. This concealed a plume of debris. The rocket burned a crater in the launchpad and sent sand, soil, metal, and concrete flying. Some pieces landed up to 10 kilometers away. Fortunately, no one was injured, but local radio reported 'ash' falling. The surrounding areas were covered with wreckage. The US Fish and Wildlife Service documented the fallout, and Starship was grounded. Before the launch, SpaceX had agreed to follow certain regulations. They had tested the launchpad with the rocket bolted down, but not at full power. After the launch, Musk admitted that a special steel plate meant to go under the rocket was not ready. The company has since rebuilt the launchpad. But the explosion raised concerns among environmental groups. With more objects being launched into space, many are worried about the impact on the environment. 'It's hard to watch these huge explosions,' says Sarah Gaines Barmeyer from the National Parks Conservation Association. 'The debris, potential fires, and pollution are concerning. We want more safety and testing before launching near protected areas. ' After the explosion, several conservation groups criticized the launch. The NPCA is also worried about a new launch site in Georgia near a protected wilderness. They are also concerned about expansion plans at Cape Canaveral in Florida. Cape Canaveral is famous for NASA launches. The US Air Force is assessing the environmental impact of building a new launchpad there. One proposed site would redevelop an existing launchpad. The other plan would build a new one closer to the perimeter. 'These places are used to the impacts from the space industry,' says Barmeyer. 'But new proposals are getting closer to protected areas, and that's a concern. ' Cape Canaveral is home to many plants and animals. NASA has been monitoring the impacts of launches for over 40 years. They found that the primary impacts were aluminum particulates, damage to vegetation, and reduced pH in nearby waters. NASA says these effects are due to the propellant burned in the Shuttle's solid rocket boosters. Similar results were recorded after the November 2022 launch of Artemis. NASA also monitors water and air quality. They say the impacts on wildlife are minimal. The Russian spaceport at Baikonur in Kazakhstan is a cautionary tale. The area has been polluted by fuel from discarded rockets. Cape Canaveral's location has helped preserve the environment. The nearby Florida coast is overdeveloped, but security concerns prevent building too close to the launch site. In French Guiana, the European Space Agency is preparing for the launch of its Ariane-6 rocket. The spaceport is surrounded by tropical rainforest. The area is monitored for air, soil, and water quality. But launches have also recorded heightened levels of aluminum and acidity. The first Ariane 6 is being prepared for a July launch. Failure is always an option with maiden flights. The first Ariane 5 rocket exploded after 39 seconds. But mission planners have worked through worst-case scenarios. They only launch with a wind direction to carry debris out to sea. If the rocket disintegrates, it is designed to come apart in small pieces. Space has transformed our view of the Earth's environment. But unchecked development of spaceports and new launch systems could harm the environment. Barmeyer is optimistic: 'We believe that the industry and conservation can exist side-by-side.